Neck for musical instruments



Nov. 23, 1937. G. HART 2,100,249

NECK FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Filed Aug. 25, 1937 ATTORNEY$ Patented Nov. 23, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Guy Hart, Kalamazoo, Mich., assignor to Gibson,

Inc., Kalamazoo, Mich.

Application August 25,

8 Claims.

The main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide an improved neck for stringed musical instruments which is very strong and rigid and not likely to become warped from any cause when in use, but one which in the event of becoming warped can be effectively straightened without tearing down the instrument.

Second, to provide an improved neck for stringed musical instruments which may be adjusted or sprung to adjust or regulate the distance of the strings from the keyboard.

Further objects pertaining to details and economies of the invention will appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined in the claims.

A structure which embodies the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of an instrument of the guitar type embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section on line 2-2 of Figs. 1 and 3, the truss rod being shown in full lines.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse section on line 33 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged transverse section on line 44 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the filler strip inserted above the truss rod.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated, I represents the neck of a stringed musical instrument and 2 the body thereof. As the details of securing the neck to the board form no part of this invention, they are not described herein.

The neck I has a longitudinal channel 3 extending from end to end thereof terminating at the body end of the instrument in a recess 4 and at the head end in the recess 5. This channel is preferably curved downwardly at 6 at the bottom end of the neck. Within this channel I arrange the metal U sectioned or U shaped insert 1 formed of sheet steel and in cross section and also in longitudinal lines to fit the bottom of the recess as shown in Figs. 2 and 4.

The truss rod 8 is arranged in this insert and supported thereby substantially throughout its length. The insert serves as a reinforcing member and also as a support for the truss rod, preventing its cutting into the wood and at the same time allowing adjustment of the rod, even when under very substantial load, that is, it greatly reduces the friction which would otherwise be placed on the rod were it in engagement directly with the wood of the neck. At its body end the 1937, Serial No. 160,762

truss rod is provided with a thrust collar 9 and adjusting nut l0, these being arranged in the recess 4. At its head end the truss rod is provided with a. thrust collar l I and adjusting nut l2.

The recess 5 is provided with a closure plate [3 which may be removed to afford access to the adjusting nut l2. Both the truss rod and the insert are engaged by the filler strip l4 which is arranged in the channel above the insert and rod with the lower edge of the filler strip engaging the top of the rod, the sides of the filler strip being rabbeted at l5 to receive the edges of the insert. The face plate l6 carrying the frets I1 is arranged over the insert.

With the parts thus arranged I provide a neck for stringed musical instruments which is very strong and rigid, even when of comparatively light stock, and one which maintains its shape under severe conditions. However, should it become sprung or warped it can be straightened without disassembling and rebuilding.

I am aware of the McI-Iugh Patent 1,446,758 issued February 27, 1923, my invention possessing the advantages of that patent and additional advantages which are very important in the manufacture of musical instruments of this type.

I have illustrated and described my invention in an embodiment which I have found very satisfactory. I have not attempted to illustrate various other modifications and adaptations which I contemplate as it is believed this disclosure will enable the embodiment of my invention as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A neck for stringed instruments comprising a body member having a longitudinal channel in the upper side thereof, said channel being downwardly curved at the body end of the neck, a metal U sectioned insert disposed in the bottom of said channel to face upwardly and conformed to fit in the bottom of the channel, a truss rod disposed in said insert and provided with an adjusting nut at one end thereof, and a filler strip secured in said channel above said truss rod and with its lower edge in supporting contact with the truss rod, said filler strip having its sides rabbeted to receive the flanges of said insert.

2. A neck for stringed instruments comprising a body member having a longitudinal channel in the upper side thereof, a metal U sectioned insert disposed in the bottom of said channel to face upwardly, a truss rod disposed in said insert and provided with an adjusting nut at one end there of, and a filler strip secured in said channel above said truss rod, and with its lower edge in supporting contact with the truss rod, said filler strip having its sides rabbeted to receive the flanges of said insert.

3. A neck for stringed instruments comprising a body member having a longitudinal channel in the upper side thereof, said channel being downwardly curved at the body end of the neck, a metal U sectioned insert disposed in the bottom of said channel to face upwardly and conformed to fit in the bottom of the channel, a truss rod disposed in said insert and provided with an adjusting nut at one end thereof, and a filler strip secured in said channel above said truss rod to engage said insert and truss rod.

4. A neck for stringed instruments comprising a body member having a longitudinal channel in the upper side thereof, a metal U sectioned insert disposed in thebottom of said channel to face upwardly, a truss rod disposed in said insert and provided with an adjusting nut at one end thereof, and a filler strip secured in said channel above said truss rod to engage said insert and truss rod. 5. A neck for stringed instruments comprising a body member having a longitudinal channel in the upper side thereof, said channel being downwardly curved atthe body end of the neck, a metal insert disposed in and conformed to fit the bottom of said channel, a truss rod disposed on said insert and supported thereby, and a filler strip secured in said channel above said truss rod and in supporting contact with said truss rod and said insert.

6. A neck for stringed instruments comprising a body member having a longitudinal channel in the upper side thereof, a metal insert disposed in the bottom of said channel, a truss rod disposed on said insert and supported thereby, and a filler strip secured in said channel above said truss rod and in supporting contact with said truss rod and said insert.

7. A neck for stringed instruments comprising a body member having a longitudinal channel in the upper sidethereof, said channel being downwardly curved at the body end of the neck, a metal insert disposed in and conformed to fit the bottom of said channel, a truss rod disposed on said insert, and a filler strip secured in said channel above said truss rod.

8. A neck for stringed instruments comprising a body member having a longitudinal channel in the upper side thereof, a metal insert disposed in the bottom of said channel, a truss rod disposed on said insert, and a filler strip secured in said channel above said truss rod.

GUY HART. 

